Mogul skiing simulating device

ABSTRACT

A mogul skiing simulating device having a floating platform riding bearings on crank pins of two crankshaft assemblies while accommodating the changing distance between the two crankshaft pins during their rotation. The leader crankshaft assembly is about 30 to 35 degrees ahead of the follower. The platform is tethered by springs to its central support to maintain the platform in the correct relation to both pairs of crankshaft assemblies. The springs pull from a plastic bushings on each crankshaft pin toward the center of the platform. The tilt of the entire machine is higher in the rear to simulate downhill skiing. Cams may be attached to the front and rear crank journals which act upon the ends of a leaf spring to store and release energy. The crankshafts are turned by and electrically powered “V” drive. Railing allows the user to vary hand placement and body position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to ski simulators and exercisers.More particularly, the present invention relates to an alpine mogulskiing simulator and exerciser.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Exercising devices for conditioning muscle groups are well known.Typically, exercise devices include elemental components dimensioned andconfigured to interact together to encourage a particular movement ofone or more muscle groups. Alpine mogul skiing has become a competitivesport in recent years. During this event the skiers are subjected tosubstantial repetitive vertical motion combined with differing slopeangles which are mainly absorbed by bending of the legs at the knees. Itwould be desirable to provide an alpine mogul skiing simulator whichwould assist in training and exercising the muscle groups associatedwith alpine mogul skiing.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,935, issued Aug. 27, 1974, to Höfle,describes a movable platform exercising device having two crank armsattached to a frame. The double crank arms revolve about a horizontalaxle. The inner arms of the double crank are connected to at least onemovable platform upon the frame. Handle bars are pivotally attached tothe outer arms of the double cranks. In operation a user stands on theplatform, grasping the handle bars. By shifting his or her weight, theplatform is caused to move in a circular motion. As the platform rises,the handle bars lower, and vice versa. The motion of the platform isopposed by a plurality of springs which tend to maintain the platform ina horizontal attitude as it moves vertically.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,760, issued Jan. 14, 1969, to Freeman, Jr.describes a foot exerciser with platforms for each foot having a networkof springs to resist and counterbalance both the forward motion of thefoot as well as the angle of the foot during forward motion.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,033, issued Sep. 9, 1977, to Palmer,describes a ski simulating exercise machine in which the force andmotion of the legs are opposed by platforms for each foot. The platformsare suspended by a system of hydraulic cylinders which move the footplatforms in a diagonal or “X” pattern.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,260, issued Oct. 14, 1975, to Rice describesa downhill skiing simulator which includes a structural frame bearing aski pole simulator and a turntable which is hydraulically rotatable,back-and-forth in a horizontal plane and a rocker pivotal about ahorizontal axis, also hydraulically actuated. The pivotal rocker carriesa carriage to which is attached a ski mounting means. The carriageslides by gravity from one end of the rocker to the other, as the rockerand turntable are pivoted by motive means, while the skier graspshandles of the ski pole simulator and performs various ski simulatingmaneuvers. The device simulates lifting a skier to the top of a slopeand then simulates allowing him to descend the slope. During thedescent, he is rotated or pivoted so that he must simulate the bodymovements required of a skier while making a turn.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,029, issued Nov. 10, 1992, to Gerarddescribes a simulated ski slope of the type having and an inclined deckand a continuous belt of material formed in a closed loop around rollersat the top and bottom of the slope. A mogul simulator may be attached tothe continuous belt.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,225, issued Jul. 16, 1996, to Neuberg et al.describes a ski training and exercise system providing both steppingaction and swinging action combined in various ways and providing dragor braking action through cables to springs or braking devices. Mogulskiing simulation is provided by allowing tandem operation of the footsupports with drag provided by springs.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,856, issued Mar. 25, 1997, to Hoover,describes a support allowing a person to practice ski turns whilewearing his or her own skis. A base unit is provided which may includean upper sheet supported by resilient material such as high-densityclosed cell foam. The upper sheet may also be supported by springs or acontinuous ribbed belt. Turns may be executed on the upper sheet.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,358, issued Nov. 30, 1999, to Gureghian etal. describes a treadmill with adjustable bound and rebound.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,484 B1, issued May 15, 2001, to Gordon,describes an snow skiing simulator exercise machine. Elongated footsupport arms, the front ends of which are pivotally connected to atubular frame for multiple axes rotation and are interconnected by a tiebar for coordinated movement. Handle bars on a post pivotally attachedto the frame and a tie bar creates a lateral motion of the handle barsoppositely timed with the foot support arms for upper body balance andconditioning. Damping cylinders add variable resistance during aworkout.

[0014] Japanese Patent No. 9-671, published January 1997 describes abody weight shifting exercise simulating skiing movement by providing aframe with a handle bar and a shifting main shaft and spring stabilizedfoot seats. The machine is operated by the user's shifting of his bodyweight.

[0015] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularlyor in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.Thus, a mogul skiing simulating device solving the aforementionedproblems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is a device which simulates mogul skiingand is an improvement of the present inventors' U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,363.Mogul skiing conditions are simulated using a floating platform thatrides on bearings on the crank pins of two crankshaft assemblies ofequal size to accommodate the changing distance between the twocrankshaft pins during their rotation. The changing distance is achievedby the positioning a leader crankshaft assembly about 30 to 35 degreesahead of a follower crankshaft assembly. The platform is tethered bysprings to its central support to maintain the platform in the correctrelation to both pairs of crankshaft assemblies. The springs pull from aplastic bushings on each crankshaft pin toward the center of theplatform. The crankshaft pins rotate within these bushings as thecrankshafts turn during operation. The opposing pulling forces keep theplatform centered between the two pairs of crankshafts as the distancechanges. The tilt of the entire machine is preferably higher in the rearto simulate downhill skiing. Cams may be attached to the front and rearcrank journals which act upon the ends of a leaf spring which storesenergy upon the downward travel of the crankshafts which is released byassisting in the upward movement of the crankshafts, resulting in lowerelectrical power requirements.

[0017] Plastic coverings are used on the surfaces to protect theoperator from mechanical parts and to enhance the appearance of thedevice. In the stationary/rotary interface, the inside flat portion isplastic or other material and includes circular cutouts for the radiusof the crankshaft travel. Disks of plastic or other material areattached to the respective crankshaft assemblies and are approximatelythe same size and have the same center as the cutouts in the flatportions.

[0018] Railing is provided for safety and to allow the user to vary handplacement and body position. A front crossing portion connects steep,nearly vertical front inclined portions, simulating the angle of skipole grips, which are connected to mildly forward tilting parallelportions extending to nearly vertical rear portions attached to the rearof the device housing.

[0019] A motor drive, provides variable speed, fulfills machinerequirements, and connects to a 120-volt outlet. The motor driveconverts 120-volt single-phase current to 230-volt three-phase currentto power a 230-volt motor. The drive allows the user to control thetorque, speed, and related parameters by means of a control key padlocated on the forward railing. The brake module dissipates the electricenergy generated on the downward part of the crankshaft rotation cycle.The brake module also provides precision and emergency stoppingcapabilities. The motor is located between the two crankshaftassemblies. The motor drives a double sprocket, driving separate chainsto each crankshaft assembly.

[0020] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to providean exercise apparatus which closely stimulates alpine mogul skiing.

[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a power driveexercise apparatus including a pair of rotational components operativelinked to one another and a platform supported by the pair of rotationalcomponents especially suitable for simulating alpine mogul skiingconditions.

[0022] It is a further object of the invention to provide an exerciseapparatus as above wherein the disposition of the platform varies inaccordance with the rotational displacement of the pair of rotationalcomponents.

[0023] It is still another object of the present invention to provideran apparatus as above wherein the platform assumes an inclinedorientation at the top of the rotation of the leading rotationalcomponent and a declined orientation at the bottom of the rotationthereof.

[0024] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus which is power driven at a variable speed and thatprovides controls and a safety element for interrupting the operation ofthe apparatus.

[0025] It is still another object of the invention to provide a housingto protect the user from moving parts.

[0026] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive,dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0027] These and other objects of the present invention will becomereadily apparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a mogul skiingsimulating device according to the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a depiction of a prior art mogul skiing device.

[0030]FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG.1, showing a user having positioned himself by a grip of the mid-portionof the railing, the floating platform being near the bottom of itstravel.

[0031]FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG.1, showing a user having positioned himself forward by gripping thefront portions of the railing, the floating platform being in a forwardtilted position as it is starting downward from the top of its travel.

[0032]FIG. 5 is an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG.1 showing a user having positioned himself in traverse position bygripping a front railing portion with his right hand and gripping arailing mid-portion with his left hand, the floating platform being in aforward tilted position as it is starting downward from the top of itstravel.

[0033]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the control keypad of the presentinvention as it is mounted on the front crossbar of the railing.

[0034]FIG. 7 is a detail view of the platform support of the presentinvention with the cover of the platform removed.

[0035]FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view of the “V” drivesystem of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view of the presentinvention with the housing removed.

[0037]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the floating platformas it moves relative to the front and rear axles as they rotate through360 degrees.

[0038]FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a floating platform asabove with the platform at its bottom position.

[0039]FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic plan view of the floating platform ofFIG. 11.

[0040]FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the present inventionillustrating support elements with the floating platform located at itsbottom position.

[0041]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic sectional side view of the presentinvention with the left side removed illustrating the movement of thevarious elements of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side detail view illustrating theenergy-storing cam and leaf spring of the present invention.

[0043] Similar reference characters denote corresponding featuresconsistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The present invention is a device which simulates mogul skiingand is an improvement of the present inventors' U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,363,issued Jun. 16, 1996 to Creelman et al. as depicted in FIG. 2. Thisdevice provides a platform which is secured at its rear end to a rearcrank pin of a crank assembly and travels in a circular motion aroundthe horizontal axis of the crank journals. The front crank pin of asimilarly disposed crank assembly is slidingly attached to the front ofthe platform as it rotates around its respective crank journals. Thefront crank assembly rotates about 20 degrees ahead of the rear crankassembly resulting in an alternating upward and downward slant of theplatform rotating around the rear crank pin.

[0045] It would be desirable to have a system where the entire platformis raised or lowered and slanted the same amount and at the same anglesat all parts of the platform so alpine mogul skiing conditions aresimulated at all points on the platform.

[0046] The prior patent also only has hand holds simulating parallel skipoles. It would be desirable if a variety of handholds were provided toprovide alternative skiing stances. It would also be desirable ifprovision was made to tilt the entire simulator forward to furthersimulate downhill skiing. It would also be desirable to provide a morecompact drive design and provide protective housings for moving parts.Provision for storing energy developed upon descent of the platform foruse when raising the platform would also be desirable.

[0047] In the present inventive device, the above-mentioned desiredcharacteristics are provided while mogul skiing conditions are simulatedusing a floating platform that rides on bearings on the crank pins oftwo crankshaft assemblies of equal size to accommodate the changingdistance between the two crankshaft pins during their rotation. Thechanging distance is achieved by the positioning a leader crankshaftassembly about 30 to 35 degrees ahead of a follower crankshaft assembly.The platform is tethered by springs to its central support to maintainthe platform in the correct relation to both pairs of crankshaftassemblies. The springs pull from a plastic bushings on each crankshaftpin toward the center of the platform. The crankshaft pins rotate withinthese bushings as the crankshafts turn during operation. The opposingpulling forces keep the platform centered between the two pairs ofcrankshafts as the distance changes.

[0048] This spring system may be used in conjunction with springs orbumper cushions which push away from the ends of the platform to reduceany impact of crankshaft pins with platform ends. The need for thesesprings or bumper cushions may be eliminated by employing variabletension tether springs which increase in resistance as they areextended.

[0049] The tilt of the entire machine is preferably higher in the rearto simulate downhill skiing. Cams may be attached to the front and rearcrank journals which act upon the ends of a leaf spring which storesenergy upon the downward travel of the crankshafts which is released byassisting in the upward movement of the crankshafts, resulting in lowerelectrical power requirements.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, there is shown an environmentalperspective view of the present invention and views of the inventivedevice in an upward position, a forward position, and a traverseposition. Mogul simulation device 10 features left side housing 12having crank covers (not shown) and right side housing 14 which includesright front crank cover 16 and right rear crank cover 18. Hand rail 24includes rear rail upright portions 26, side rail parallel portions 28,rail front inclined portions 30, and front rail cross portion 32. Therail may be at least partially covered with rail grip material 33 (seeFIG. 6).

[0051] Rail touch control pad 34 is preferably located on front railcross portion 32 and includes emergency stop switch 36 activated by stopswitch lanyard 38 which may be attached to the user and activated if theuser falls. Stanchions 40 support hand rail 24 at a point between therail inclined portions 30 and rail parallel portions 28 and rest on thefront portions of left and right side housings 12 and 14, respectively.

[0052] Left side housing 12 includes left housing base 42, left housingtop 44, left housing front 46, and left housing rear 48, which bearsleft housing rail support 50 for supporting hand rail 24 at itsrespective rear upright portion 26. Right side housing 14 includes righthousing base 52, right housing top 54, right housing front 56, and righthousing rear 58, which bears right housing rail support 60 forsupporting hand rail 24 at its respective rear upright portion 26. The120 volt AC plug outlet 62 provides electrical power to power cord 64,ultimately providing the energy to move floating platform 65 havingcover 66 and support frame 68.

[0053] The user U as shown in FIG. 3 stands relatively upright onplatform 65 with his feet nearly even and his left hand LH and righthand (not shown) gripping the mid-portions of parallel rail portions 28,simulating skiing on a relatively gentle slope. This position is usefulfor warmup or general aerobic exercise. The user U as shown in FIG. 4 ispositioned in a forward position on platform 65 with his feet nearlyeven and his left hand LH and right hand (not shown) gripping the frontinclined portions 30, simulating skiing on a relatively steep slope. Theuser U as shown in FIG. 5 stands in a traverse position with feet spacedalong the platform 65 at a large angle, his body twisted to asubstantially forward position in the upper trunk, his left hand LHgripping the respective rear portion of parallel rail portion 28 and hisright hand RH gripping a lower portion of respective front inclinedportion 30, simulating snow boarding.

[0054] As is seen in FIG. 6, touch control pad 34 features emergencystop switch 36 activated by stop switch lanyard 38 and is mounted onrail front cross portion 32. Touch control pad 34 includes readoutdisplay 70 and control buttons 72. Readout display 70 may display suchinformation as machine speed and buttons 72 may control machine speed,torque, or other parameters.

[0055]FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art mogul skiing simulator invented bythe instant inventors.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7 is a detail view of the platform frame assupported on front and rear crankshaft bearings and pins. Platform frame68 is generally rectangular in form and includes rear cross member 74,front cross member 76, center cross member 78, right side member 80, andleft side member 82. Frame 68 is supported by left front platformsupport bearing 84, left rear platform support bearing 86, and rightfront and rear platform support bearings 85 and 87, respectively (SeeFIG. 12). Left support bearings 84 and 86 are free to travel within leftside member 82 in an underside groove (not shown) along the length ofside member 82. Right support bearings 85 and 87 are free to travelwithin right side member 80 in an underside groove (not shown) along thelength of right side member 80.

[0057] Platform frame 68 is tethered by tension springs 100 to centercross member 78 to maintain frame 68 in the correct relation to frontcrank pin 92 and rear crank pin 94. A desired number of springs 100 areconnected with front crank pin 92 by means of front spring bushingmounts 96. Springs 100 are connected with rear crank pin 94 by means ofrear bushing mounts 98. The number and angle of attachment of springs100 are selected to maintain floating platform 65 in desired positionsduring operation of the inventive device. Platform frame 68 hasdepending supports 104 located at each corner which support limit bars102 which are located parallel with and underneath respective right sidemember 80 and left side member 82 so spaced therefrom that frame 68 isretained upon undue lifting above left support bearings 84 and 86 andright support bearings 85 and 87.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a detail view of the“V” drive as mounted and a perspective view of the overall mogul skiingdevice with walls and crank covers removed, respectively. “V” drive 110includes rear drive sprocket 112 driven by rear drive chain 114 havingrear chain tensioner 118, drive sprocket 112 thereby turning right rearcrank journal 116, Rear chain tensioner 118 is adjustably mounted onrear chain tensioner bracket 120. Chain drive unit 122 rotates drivershaft 184 by means of drive sprockets 186 mounted for rotation thereon.Front drive sprocket 124 is driven by front drive chain 126 having frontchain tensioner 130, drive sprocket 124 thereby turning right frontcrank journal 128. Front chain tensioner 130 is adjustably mounted onfront tensioner bracket 132.

[0059] Right frame sloping member 140, right frame front stanchion 142,mounting flange 144 of right mounting wall 146, and right rear stanchion172 form a frame for supporting “V” drive 110 and drive unit 122.Mounting flange 144 of right mounting wall 146 is mounted to right frontstanchion 142 by front mounting flange tab 148 and to right rearstanchion 172 by similar means (not shown). Front journal bearingsupport 152 is fastened to right mounting wall 146 by bolts 154. A rearbearing support (not shown) is similarly fastened.

[0060] Front right crank 160 rotates with right front crank journal 128.Left front crank 162 rotates with left front crank journal 163. Rightrear crank 164 rotates with right rear crank journal 116. Left rearcrank 166 rotates with left rear crank journal 165. Front crank pin 92(see FIG. 7) connects right front crank 160 and left front crank 162 andsupports the front portion of floating platform 65 by means of bearings84 and 85 as previously described. Rear crank pin 94 connects right rearcrank 164 and left rear crank 166 by means of bearings 86 and 87 aspreviously described. The free portions of front cranks 160 and 162extending away from crank pin 92, and the free portions of rear cranks164, and 166 extending away from crank pin 94, respectively, serve nofunction other than to assist in mounting the crank covers.

[0061] Left frame sloping member 178, left frame front stanchion 174,left mounting wall 188, and left rear stanchion 176 form a frame forsupporting idler chain 180 rotating with idler front sprocket wheel 181,idler rear sprocket wheel 182 and idler chain tensioner 183. The idlersprocket wheels and chain help maintain the front and rear crank pins 92and 94 in the proper angular relationship and is made up of a frontsprocket wheel mounted to front left crank journal 163, a rear sprocketwheel mounted to rear left crank journal 165 a driving chain rotatingwith the front and rear sprocket wheels, and a tensioner to adjusttension on the driving chain. Frame cross member 179 extends betweenleft housing base 42 and right housing base 52 and helps support leftframe sloping member 178 and right frame sloping member 140. Right framesloping member 140 also supports the assembled drive unit 122, electricmotor 170, and electric power converter 171 as seen in FIG. 9.

[0062]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the floating platformas it moves relative to the front and rear axles as they rotate through360 degrees. Left front crank 162 rotates with left front crank journal163, and left rear crank 166 rotates with left rear crank journal 165about 30-35 degrees behind left front crank 162. The positions offloating platform 65 are shown by dotted lines as cranks 162 and 166rotate through 360 degrees. It can be appreciated that a user standingon floating platform 65 and facing forward (toward the left of thefigure) would experience the simulation of transitioning from a downhillposition at the bottom to an uphill position as the cranks rotate in thedirection of the arrows. Upon further radial travel, the userexperiences a steepening attitude until transitioning back to a downwardattitude at the top of radial travel, the user then assumes a descendingattitude as the platform travels downward to complete the 360 degrees oftravel. This simulates the skier's motion during the negotiation ofmoguls.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 there is shown a diagrammaticelevation view of the floating platform at its bottom position, and adiagrammatic plan view of the floating platform of FIG. 11. FIGS. 11 and12 illustrate how frame 68 of floating platform 65 (see FIG. 1) istethered by springs 100 to crank pins 92 and 94. As is seen, centercross member 78 has spring center mounts 190 distributed to receive oneend of each of springs 100, along its under side, while front pinbushing spring mounts 96 receive the other end of the front mountedsprings, and rear pin bushing spring mounts 98 receive the other end ofthe rear mounted springs.

[0064] As can be envisioned, floating platform frame 68 is free to moverelative to bearings 84 and 85 and to bearings 86 and 87 as crank pins92 and 94 move relative to each other, but the frame is tethered by thesprings 100 to maintain the platform in a relatively centered positionduring operation of the inventive device. This spring system may be usedin conjunction with springs or bumper cushions (not shown) which pushinward, away from the ends of the platform to reduce any impact ofcrankshaft pins with platform ends 74 and 76.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a diagrammatic frontelevation view of the present invention with the platform in its lowestposition and illustrating the leaf spring energy saving feature whereinfloating platform cover 65 is supporting the left leg LL and the rightleg RL of the user U. The front portion of the platform is supported bybearings 84 and 85 mounted on front crank pin 92. Front crank pin 92separates right front crank 160 and left front crank 162, which areattached to right front crank journal 128 and left front crank journal116 to form an integral front crank assembly.

[0066] Left crank cover 17 is shown as attached to left front crank 162by connectors 210 which may employ any desired attachment means such asadhesive or screws. It is noted that the upper portions of cranks 160and 162, as shown, serve only to provide support for the crank covers.Right front crank journal 128 turns in right front journal bearing 208supported on the frame as represented by right front frame stanchion142. Left front crank journal 116 turns in left front journal bearing206 supported on the frame as represented by left front frame stanchion174. The drive for right crank journal 128 is front drive sprocket 124,driven by front drive chain 126 driven by front driver sprocket 186 ondriven shaft 184.

[0067] Cam assembly support 200 supports leaf spring 202 as cam 204bears against it, storing energy as floating platform 65 travelsdownward to supplement the “V” drive system in raising platform 65 anduser U when traveling upward.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 14 there is shown a diagrammatic sectional sideview of the right side of the inventive device with the left sideremoved, illustrating the movement of the various elements of thepresent invention. The right boot RB of the user U is shown on platformcover 65 in the upper position, resting on front right support bearing85 connected with front crank pin 92 which is connected to right frontcrank 160, and on rear right support bearing 87 connected with rearcrank pin 94 which is connected to right rear crank 164. (Elements areshown in dashed lines to illustrate the device in the highest position)

[0069] As shown in solid lines, platform 65 is shown in the lowerposition, resting on front right support bearing 85 connected with frontcrank pin 92 which is connected to right front crank 160, and on rearright support bearing 87 connected with rear crank pin 94 which isconnected to right rear crank 164. Front right crank journal 128 turnsin a clockwise direction (as shown) in right front journal bearing 208and is turned by front drive sprocket 124 of “V” drive 110. Rear rightcrank 116 turns in right rear journal bearing 212 and is turned by reardrive sprocket 112. Front drive chain 126 transfers power to front drivesprocket 124 from driver sprockets 186, and rear drive chain 114transfers power to rear drive sprocket 112 from driver sprockets 186.

[0070] The “V” drive and crank journal bearings are supported by a framecomprising right frame sloping member 140, right mounting wall 146,right front stanchion 142 and right rear stanchion 172. The cranks asshown are rotating in the direction of the arrows.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 15 there is shown a diagrammatic elevationdetail view of the left side of the invention illustrating theenergy-storing cam and leaf spring of FIG. 13. Floating platform 65 issupported by front left bearing 84 and rear left bearing 86. Front leftbearing 84 is mounted on front crank pin 92 attached to left front crank162 rotated by left front crank journal 163. Rear left bearing 86 ismounted on rear crank pin 94 attached to left rear crank 166 rotated byleft rear crank journal 165.

[0072] As shown in solid lines front cam 204 is attached to and rotatedby left front crank journal 163 and shown in the up position exerting noforce on front end portion 224 of leaf spring 202. Also, rear cam 226 isattached to and rotated by left rear crank journal 165 and shown in theup position, exerting no force on rear end portion 228 of leaf spring202. This position is assumed when the floating platform 65 is in theupper position. Leaf spring 202 is supported at the center by block 230which is supported by cam assembly support 200.

[0073] Upon rotation of left front crank 162 and left rear crank 166 tothe downward position with floating platform 65 traveling to its lowerposition, front cam 204 forces front end portion 224 of leaf spring 202into a loaded downward position (shown in dashed lines) and rear cam 226forces rear end portion 228 of leaf spring 202 into a loaded downwardposition. Leaf spring apex 232 is located over the center of block 230.The energy stored in the leaf spring 202 is transferred by front cam 204and rear cam 226 to left front crank 162 via crank journal 163, and byrear cam 226 to left rear crank 166 via crank journal 165 as they begintheir upward stroke, thus assisting the electric motor (see FIG. 9) inraising floating platform 65 and the user (not shown).

[0074] The inventive device may be constructed of appropriate materialssuch as plastic and metals for the various parts.

[0075] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and allembodiments within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An exercise device for simulating alpine mogul skiingcomprising: a) a base having a left side and a right side and at leastone cross piece; b) a first crank assembly having first left and rightparallel cranks, a first crank pin, and a first pair of left and rightjournals, said first cranks being separated by said first crank pin,said first pair of journals being supported by said base, said firstcrank assembly being rotatable through a complete circle about a firstaxis of rotation; c) a second crank assembly spaced from said firstcrank assembly having second left and right parallel cranks, a secondcrank pin and a second pair of left and right journals, said secondcranks being separated by said second crank pin, said second pair ofjournals being supported by said base, said second crank assembly beingrotatable through a complete circle about a second axis of rotation,said first axis of rotation being parallel to said second axis ofrotation and spaced therefrom such as to allow independent rotation ofeach of said first and second crank assemblies; d) said first crank pinhaving first left and right bearings mounted for rotation thereon,adjacent to and inward from said first left and right cranks, and saidfirst crank pin having a first plurality of spring mounting bushingsmounted for rotation thereon and spaced between said first left andright bearings; e) said second crank pin having second left and rightbearings mounted for rotation thereon, adjacent to and inward from saidsecond left and right cranks, and said second crank pin having a secondplurality of spring mounting bushings mounted for rotation thereon andspaced between said second left and right bearings; d) a generallyrectangular platform having a first end portion and a second endportion, and a central portion, said first end portion being supportedby and free to ride in a reciprocal manner on said first left and rightbearings, said second end portion being supported by and free to ride ina reciprocal manner on said second left and right bearings; e) springmounting means located in said central portion for tethering saidplatform for retention in a range of locations relative to said crankpins; f) a prime mover supported by said base; and g) a powertransmitting element connecting said primed mover to at least one eachof said first and said second crank journals so as to impart rotation ofsaid first and second crank assemblies.
 2. The device of claim 1, saidplatform further comprising: a) a spring anchor fixedly located withinsaid rectangular platform central portion; b) a plurality of extensionsprings individually mounted between said spring anchor and said firstplurality of spring mounting bushings; and c) a plurality of extensionsprings individually mounted between said spring anchor and a firstgroup of said second plurality of spring mounting bushings.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said first crank assembly and said secondcrank assembly rotate at the same speed and in a clockwise directionrelative to said left side of said base, and said first crank assemblyprecedes said second crank assembly by about 30-35 degrees.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein said prime mover is an electric motor andassociated drive.
 5. The device of claim 4 further comprising a controlpad and means connected with said control pad to selectively control thetorque, speed, and related parameters of said drive.
 6. The device ofclaim 5 further comprising a brake for dissipating electrical powerdeveloped upon the downward stroke of said first and second crankassemblies, and for precision or emergency stopping of the exercisedevice..
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein moving mechanical parts areenclosed by at least one housing.
 8. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising a railing attached to said base and extending around saidleft side, front, and right side of said base at a height such that auser standing on said platform may easily grasp said railing to maintainbalance during operation of the device.
 9. The device of claim 8 whereinsaid railing has low degrees forward pitch portions along its left andright side at a first level, high degrees forward pitch portionsextending upward from said horizontal portions, and a horizontal frontcross portion connecting said high pitch portions at a second level,said high degree of pitch being comparable to the pitch of ski polesused on a steep slope.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein said controlpad is located on said horizontal front portion of said railing and saidcontrol pad features an emergency off switch actuated by a lanyardconnected to the user so as to be activated upon the falling of theuser.
 11. The device of claim 5 wherein said motor drive is “V” drivecomprising a driver located between and below said first and secondcrank assemblies, a double sprocket driven by said driver, separatechains driven by said double sprocket, and a sprocket drive located oneach crankshaft assembly and driven by one of said separate chains. 12.The device of claim 11 wherein said drive system is operable byconnection to a 120-volt outlet and operates to convert 120-voltsingle-phase current to 230-volt three-phase current to power saidmotor.
 13. The device of claim 12 further comprising a first pair ofleft and right journal bearings and a second pair of left and rightjournal bearings wherein said first pair of left and right journals turnin a first pair of left and right journal bearings, and said second pairof left and right journals turn in a second pair of left and rightjournal bearings, respectively.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein saidfirst pair of journal bearings and said second pair of journal bearingsare supported by left and right forward sloping rectangular frames, eachsaid frame comprising a front stanchion, a rear stanchion, a mountingwall and a lower member, said front and rear stanchions being connectedby a mounting wall and a lower member, said first pair of journalbearings being mounted in a front upper portion of each of said mountingwalls of said left and right frames, said second pair of journalbearings being mounted in a rear upper portion of each of said mountingwalls of said left and right frames along a line parallel to saidforward sloping frame, such that said first pair of journal bearings arelocated below said second pair of journal bearings, resulting in saidfloating platform being biased forward.
 15. The device of claim 14wherein said motor and drive is mounted on said right forward slopinglower member.
 16. The device of claim 14 further comprising front andrear idler sprocket drives attached to said respective left front andrear crank journals, front and rear journal bearings mounted on saidleft frame mounting wall for said respective left front and rear crankjournals, an idler chain rotating with said front and rear idlersprocket drives, and a tensioner for adjustably tensioning said idlerchain.
 17. The device of claim 14 further comprising a leaf springhaving a front end portion, a rear end portion and a central portion,and a centrally located leaf spring support mounted and spaced outwardfrom said left frame, and front and rear cams mounted on said left frontand rear crank journals, respectively, said front and rear cams bearingon said leaf spring front end and rear end portions such that when thecranks of said front and rear crank journals are pointed downward thefront and rear cams bend the respective portions of said leaf springdownward, thus storing energy which is released when said cranks arerotating upward, assisting in rotating said cranks and said floatingsupport upward.
 18. The device of claim 2, wherein said rectangularplatform comprises a frame and a cover, said frame comprising a frontend member defining said front end portion, a rear end member definingsaid rear end portion, a central member parallel with and centeredbetween said front end member and said rear end member and defining saidcentral portion, a left side member, and a right side member, said leftside member and said right side member having grooves defining trackslocated in their respective undersides for receiving said left front andleft rear support bearings and said right front and said right rearsupport bearings, respectively.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein saidspring anchor is said central member.
 20. The device of claim 19 furthercomprising a depending support located at each corner of saidrectangular frame, said depending supports supporting a retainer stripspaced from each of said left side member and said right side member formaintaining said platform on said support bearings.